Marriage in the Episcopal Church
A Sacred Covenant
In the Episcopal Church, marriage is a sacrament—a sacred covenant between two people in the presence of God and the Church. It is more than a legal contract; it is a spiritual and lifelong commitment to grow together in love, grace, and faithfulness. The Book of Common Prayer describes Christian marriage as intended for:
- Mutual joy,
- Help and comfort given to one another in prosperity and adversity,
- And, when it is God’s will, for the procreation and nurturing of children.
Marriage is grounded in God’s love and is a means of grace by which two people support each other in becoming the fullest version of who God created them to be. Ultimately, Christian marriage is a vocation—a spiritual calling to grow in faith together. Couples are called to:
- Practice forgiveness,
- Support one another’s flourishing,
- Serve the world together as a reflection of Christ’s love.
In the Episcopal tradition, marriage is not only a private union but a public and holy witness to God’s grace in human life.
The Episcopal Understanding of Marriage
Episcopal marriage is both solemn and celebratory. It is solemn in that it includes vows before God, binding the couple to fidelity and mutual care. It is celebratory in that it is a moment of joy, communal blessing, and divine presence. The Episcopal Church permits marriage for both opposite-sex and same-sex couples, in full alignment with the sacramental theology of love, dignity, and equality.
The rite of marriage includes:
- Declaration of Intent by the couple,
- Exchange of Vows made in the presence of God and the congregation,
- Blessing of the Marriage by a priest.
Marriage in the Episcopal Church also requires a period of preparation, typically consisting of pastoral counseling with a priest, to reflect on the spiritual, emotional, and practical dimensions of the covenant.
Marriage and New York State Law
In New York State, marriage is recognized as a legal contract between two consenting adults, regardless of gender. The Episcopal Church honors the civil aspects of marriage but adds a sacramental layer to its understanding and practice.
To be married in an Episcopal Church in New York State:
- The couple must obtain a New York marriage license issued within 60 days of the ceremony.
- The license must be presented to the officiating priest before the wedding.
- The officiant must be authorized under New York State law (Episcopal priests are), and will complete and return the marriage license to the appropriate county clerk after the ceremony.
Because Episcopal clergy act on behalf of both the Church and the State in officiating weddings, couples are expected to meet both legal and pastoral requirements for their union to be valid and blessed.
Remarriage and Divorce
The Episcopal Church recognizes that not all marriages endure. Out of pastoral sensitivity and grace, the Church permits the possibility of remarriage after divorce, though it requires:
- A conversation with the priest,
- Completion of pastoral preparation,
- And the bishop’s consent before the new marriage can be solemnized.
This process reflects the Church’s care for all involved and affirms that God’s mercy and love remain constant, even in the face of human brokenness.